Manchester City are currently in pursuit of new coaches in the wake of several departures from Pep Guardiola’s team.
On Wednesday, Manchester City confirmed that assistant coaches Juanma Lillo and Inigo Dominguez will leave the Etihad Stadium when their contracts expire.
Meanwhile, Carlos Vicens has already left City to take the reins at Portuguese top-flight outfit Braga.
On Thursday, Fabrizio Romano claimed Kolo Toure and Pep Lijnders are under consideration to join Guardiola’s coaching staff.
Kolo Toure is very much a known quantity at City, as he is an academy coach at the club and enjoyed a fruitful spell at the Etihad Stadium in his playing days.
Pep Lijnders may not be quite as known outside of Liverpool circles, but Jurgen Klopp has spoken very highly of the Dutchman over the years.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Jurgen Klopp said Pep Lijnders was ‘absolutely exceptional’ for Liverpool
Lijnders took in two spells at Liverpool between 2014 and 2024, either side of a short stint managing NEC in the Dutch second tier.
In his second spell, Lijnders helped Liverpool win their sixth Champions League, along with their first FIFA Club World Cup and a first English top-flight title since 1990.
Early in 2024, it was announced that Lijnders would be taking the reins at Red Bull Salzburg at the end of the season.
Klopp, who was also set to leave Anfield in the summer, told the Liverpool media team: “The most influential guy in the last years definitely in this club was Pep Lijnders.
“The job he did is absolutely exceptional. The inspiration he is for me is absolutely exceptional.
“The relationship we grew is absolutely exceptional. Outstanding, everything.
“And I’m really looking forward to follow his way and to support if necessary. And if I can, I will definitely do.”
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What City fans could expect from Pep Lijnders tactically
Lijnders has a track record of being a great coach to work with, Klopp once deeming him the “perfect mentor”.
And in terms of what Lijnders can offer tactically, the expectation is that he would bring some of the Klopp ethos to the City training pitches.
The Football Analyst wrote last year: ‘Pepijn Lijnders’ tactical approach at RB Salzburg emphasizes high-intensity pressing, fluid attacking play, and quick transitions, hallmarks of his football philosophy.
‘His ability to implement an aggressive, dynamic style of play has transformed Salzburg into a team that thrives on collective energy and tactical intelligence.
‘By using high pressing, overloads in key areas, and fluid formations, Lijnders has crafted a system that is both exciting and effective.’